CLEVELAND — With the score tied 6-6 at the start of the fourth quarter, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr found wide receiver Hunter Renfrow for a 4-yard touchdown pass to give his team a lead over the Cleveland Browns.
A replay, however, showed the end of the ball clearly hitting the ground as Renfrow fell to the ground. As all scores are, the play was reviewed to determine whether the touchdown was indeed just that. But despite replays showing the ball clearly hitting the ground, the reviewing officials ultimately decided that the call on the field would be upheld.
Renfrow's touchdown proved to be the final go-ahead score in the Raiders' 16-6 victory. With the win, Las Vegas advanced to 4-3 on the season while Cleveland fell to 5-3 entering its bye week.
With both teams in the hunt for a spot in the postseason, the upheld touchdown could prove pivotal in the AFC Wild Card race, with the Raiders now laying claim to a head-to-head tiebreaker over the Browns.
That's not to say that Renfrow's controversial touchdown catch was the only reason Cleveland lost on Sunday.
While the Raiders were only able to find the end zone once, that was one more time than the Browns were able to, as quarterback Baker Mayfield and Cleveland's passing attack was able to overcome a windy -- and at times, wet -- atmosphere. Meanwhile, Las Vegas was able to rush for 209 yards and convert on several third and fourth down situations, with running back Josh Jacobs leading the way with 125 yards.
The Browns weren't able to keep pace, with tight end Harrison Bryant's first-quarter fumble marking the only turnover for either team. But when Cleveland looks back on its Week 8 loss, it will be one play that stands out from the rest.